Thyroglossal duct cysts : An analysis of 44 cases

Abstract

Objective: The thyroglossal duct cyst (TDC) is the most common congenital neck mass and the second most common of all childhood cervical masses. Fistulas are almost always the result of infection with either spontaneous or surgical drainage. The purpose of this study is to review the clinical aspects and the results obtained with the surgical treatment of patients with TDC’s and fistulas who have been treated over the past ten years in our department.

Methods: Forty-four patients with thyroglossal duct cysts or fistulas managed in the ORL Department of the Şişli Etfal Hospital over the past 10 years were reviewed.

Results: The most frequent clinical presentation was that of a cystic mass without any inflammatory signs (54.5%). All patients underwent the standard Sistrunk operation. There was one recurrence among the 44 patients. The most common histologic pattern was pseudostratified, ciliated, columnar epithelium (50%). Nine of the specimens (20.4%) contained ectopic thyroid tissue. One patient had papillary carcinoma in thyroid tissue of the cyst wall.

Conclusion: We advocate the Sistrunk procedure to be the choice of surgical treatment in order to prevent a possible recurrence.

Keywords

• Thyroglossal duct cyst,neck mass

References

1. Hoffman MA, Schuster SR. Thyroglossal duct remnants in infants and children: Réévaluation of histopathology and methods for resection. Ann Otol Rhinol Laryngoi 1988:97:483-486.